One of my favorite areas in Tokyo is the quiet, residential, historic enclave of Yanaka (谷中). Three years ago, I took a wonderful guided half-day tour here (see my post from Feb. 2020), and was fortunate to have the guide all to myself. That day, I was able to visit the extraordinary Nezu Shrine, the… Continue reading Tokyo cameo – Yanaka, Ueno
Tag: dogs
A quick hello – WIPs and ginkgo leaves
It’s already mid-November - my semester is a race to the finish. Only three weeks to go before final exams start! I’ve managed to make slow progress on some crafty items, including a gnome figure that still needs his beard and hat. The photo shows that he’s already got his suspenders and the cutest rainbow… Continue reading A quick hello – WIPs and ginkgo leaves
Crocheted Pumpkins (free pattern)
Just had to share some of the fruits (awww...) of my latest crochet efforts: crocheted pumpkins! 'Tis the time of year again for crocheted and knitted pumpkin patterns, and I really love this one - it is so easy to make, and the pattern is free (click here)! Small pumpkins: about 15cm in diameter using… Continue reading Crocheted Pumpkins (free pattern)
Circular cardigan; dog show highlights
I just finished a unique circular cardi, using Lang Yarns Wool Addicts "Sunshine" mercerized cotton, a worsted chainette yarn. This shade of gold is really pretty, but I think it has been discontinued. The pattern is a simple and very fast-moving one that starts in the center of the back medallion, and is worked in… Continue reading Circular cardigan; dog show highlights
One Fine Spring Sunday + “New Life” mandala progress
Just a few photos and words to catch you up on one of my current WIPs, the "New Life" mandala. As of today, I've zipped ahead to round 34, and well into the green section of the YarnArt gradient cake (see photos below). I also have a few shots of today's walk around my neighborhood's… Continue reading One Fine Spring Sunday + “New Life” mandala progress
More autumn goodness + new and finished projects
Gingko trees are some of the most beautiful and interesting trees I know of. I read somewhere that these ancient trees were around at the time of dinosaurs, and their species has no living relatives. There are dozens of these living fossils throughout my neighborhood, and they turn a stunning shade of gold each autumn.… Continue reading More autumn goodness + new and finished projects
Halloween Greetings! A peek at Autumn
Happy Halloween! I promise I haven't "ghosted" my blog (feel free to groan... 🙂 I've really let some time pass between postings. I have no better excuse than my work duties have exponentially increased recently. By the end of December, I should have a very, very welcome reprieve, which includes a trip back to the… Continue reading Halloween Greetings! A peek at Autumn
Riot granny scarf debut + free pattern link
The finishing touches have been added to my granny square scarf, a free pattern by Wool Thread Paint, made with King Cole Riot yarn in shade "Waterways." The pattern was fast-moving and the frequent color changes made it fun to work on. I used a 4mm hook throughout, and it took just under three skeins… Continue reading Riot granny scarf debut + free pattern link
Afternoon trip to Gyeongsan’s Bangokji reservoir
My second summer "staycation" in Korea has included a number of local day trips that have increased my appreciation for the area I live in. I've always thought of Gyeongsan as a booming college town, but it also encompasses a lot of farmland and charming pockets of "boondocks" countryside and small bodies of water to… Continue reading Afternoon trip to Gyeongsan’s Bangokji reservoir
Happy Mother’s Day, neighborhood lake walk & crafty bits
Happiest Mother's Day to all the moms and all those who "mother" in some way. Mothering is a creative gift of the heart, no matter its object. There was a brisk wind yesterday which gave a lovely, gentle wave to the lake in my neighborhood. My pup Bo relishes these walks. Today in particular it… Continue reading Happy Mother’s Day, neighborhood lake walk & crafty bits
The Frill Seeker 